Helen Rappleye Kofford 89, passed away on July 3, 2008 at the Greenwood Manor in Lehi, UT following a lingering illness.





She was born in Tropic, Garfield County UT on November 13, 1918, the daughter of William Valentine Rappleye and Mary Lorinda Jolley Rappleye. She married Verl Willard Kofford on April 3, 1939, in the Salt Lake Temple. Our beloved mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother was a sweet and loving part of our lives. We will all miss her very much. She has always been such a wonderful influence in our lives. Helen was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, she held many positions in the church especially musical positions; such as directing the choir and leading the congregation. Helen had a beautiful soprano voice and sang many solos and in groups and choirs sharing her talents with many. Later in life she devoted many years to teaching piano lessons to the neighborhood children. Helen had a talent for managing businesses, she and Verl had a successful Sinclair Service Station in Orem. Helen managed Kiddyville Toys in Provo; Verl and Helen also owned and operated the Sun and Sand Motel in Kanab, Utah for many years. Helen was an accomplished artist, she loved to paint landscape scenes. She was also a very talented seamstress and quilter, she loved to make quilts for her loved ones.





She leaves behind her children: V. Lewis (Marilyn) Kofford, Alpine; Judith A. (Joel) Erickson, Moroni; Stephan W. Kofford, West Valley; Rosemary (Dar) Cloward, Eagle Mountain; 14 grandchildren, 37 great-grandchildren, eight step-grandchildren and 10 step-great-grandchildren. Preceded in death by her husband, parents, brothers, Ammon V., Vernon, Cecil, Rulon, Dean, and Ned Rappleye, sisters, Myrtle Anderson, Hilda Rappleye, Nellie Hillis, Maud Tuft, Alta Mullins, a grandson, Nathan Kofford, great-grandson, Simon, and step-great-grandson, David Erickson.





Funeral Services will be held on Monday, July 7, 2008 at 11:00 a.m. in the Cedar Pass 1st Ward Chapel, 2977 East Pony Express Parkway, Eagle Mountain. Friends and Family may call from 10:00 a.m. until time of Services at the Church.
Interment: American Fork City Cemetery.
Published in the Deseret News on 7/6/2008.